Eatery, Appliance Center meld on Main

The Appliance Center on Main is now not only providing the devices with which to cook and store food; its proprietor is serving edibles and beverages, as well.

Sally and Gene Lane have purchased the former Black Moose building, the business heading south on Main.

Two showrooms at 311 So. Main Ave., now feature an inventory of Maytag, Jenn-air, Amana, Admiral, Hoover and Magic Chef appliances.

The appliances are "competitively priced" with a service technician on staff - The Rapids Repair Man - (aka husband Gene) to offer assistance.

And, come April 1, the Kitchen Cupboard - a wireless Internet cafe, will be offering sustenance and java six days a week.

Opening at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, taste buds will wake up to espresso, cappuccino café latte, café mocha, Chai tea latte, hot chocolate and more.

Or sample a cold, fruit- flavored smoothie - the Cupboard's signature mixtures or create one of your own.

Bagels, muffins and caramel and cinnamon rolls will be served all day.

Lunch - soups, sandwiches and salads - will be available daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., uniformed staff greeting diners, "fabulous chef" Mitzi Rogers in the kitchen.

"This is a business geared for local people," Sally Lane said, "with prices geared for local people."

Eatery clientele are greeted by the motto, "Simple Pleasures." They are invited to choose from soups, sandwiches - which may be created by choosing the bread, meat, cheese, veggie and spread of choice - and salads.

"I love the idea of a coffee shop," Lane admits. "Customers become friends, a friendship we value. They come in to visit."

Adding a coffee shop was a "natural transition," she said.

Two seemingly incongruous businesses under one roof had initially drawn some trepidation.

But when Lane watched two old acquaintances meet and chat, oblivious to the appliance store surroundings, she determined a "comfortable co-existence" was a sound possibility.

"It's a great fit," she said. Customers can come in, relax, meet friends and view the Internet.

"This is something new for us," she said of her role as restaurateur. "This is the starting point. The Kitchen Cupboard will evolve based on customer needs. Decisions will be weighed on community support."

Live music is on the agenda, come the week's end with music playing via airwaves (XM radio) throughout the week.

The restaurant will be open year 'round.

"I think people will enjoy this," said Lane, who finds entertaining pleasurable. "I'm looking forward to the year ahead."

The Kitchen Cupboard will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Appliance Center, a Maytag Home Store, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.